If only…

I scan the Fuji rumors site from time to time and this is what I see. If only Fuji would come out with a 24 megapixel camera. If only the rumored Fuji X-Pro2 had an articulating LCD screen. If only Fuji would come out with a medium format sensor and camera! If only Fuji would release that rumored 100-400mm lens… If only, (fill in the blank) then I could really take my photography to the next level. WHAT?!?! My questions to them would be. What do you need 24mp for? What will you do with it? Are you not happy with the image quality of the X-T1 (insert your current camera here)? Can you not print big enough? And most importantly, are you happy with your photography? If not, surely 24mp, a tilting screen or new lens, are not going to make you a better photographer. Maybe you’re chasing or concerned about the wrong thing? How about spending more time on your craft with the camera you own?

First off, that’s a most inviting scene you’ve captured, John ! It’s a lovely offset to this gray, dank morning so thanks for sharing it.

I’ll certainly drink to your conclusion that better, newer, more expensive gear will not, on it’s own, make you a BETTER photographer. To my mind, your native talent, your willingness to work hard to hone that talent, and your ability to learn from others and from your own mistakes have much more to do with your success than your gear. No doubt about it. BUT… (and now I’m going to get into trouble. : ))

I don’t think it follows from the above that the quality of your equipment doesn’t have an impact on your images. It obviously does. Ansel Adams didn’t lug huge view cameras up countless mountainsides because he needed the exercise. : )) Or how much fun would birding be if your only lens was a 14mm wide angle ? And would your like to do portraiture with a 500mm f/8 lens ? In short I believe your gear is never going to make you BETTER than you are, but it can make you WORSE than you are by imposing limits on your ability to reach your goals.

As I read your post I get a good sense of how more megapixels aren’t going to turn you into HCB and with that I’d agree 100%, but I don’t hear the other side of the coin and I think that other side should be addressed. I can tell you honestly that I own a modest collection of Fujinon glass and not one was purchased in hopes of becoming a better photographer (a hopeless cause) but because each of them afforded me opportunities and solved problems my other lenses did not provide.

In summary I think you’re on target when you object to the mindless acquisition of gear in hopes of buying your way to better art. But on the other hand there are plenty of valid reasons for wanting equipment that makes it possible for you to reach your full potential too. ‘Nuff said…and thanks for listening….if you still are. : D

You know Bruce, I toiled with the need to add a short paragraph that said something like… ” I understand if you are a sports photographer, you likely need a particular type of camera and lens to achieve your shots. If you are a bird photographer you will benefit from a camera that has super fast AF tracking and will accept a long lens. I am simply saying, most have all they need and need to focus on making images and not gear.”

Look, I love gear like many do. It is FUN to get a new lens, have more pixels to crop and on on and on… BUT, my experience is those who focus on that side of the equation, are typically not spending the time they should on the seeing, crafting, connecting side…

Ansel Adams: “You don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.” Then the equipment can show you something meaningful and beautiful. Thank you, John, for the lovely images and your clear voice.

Love the image, JB. However, let it be said that I still want more multiple exposure options! Haha. There, I got my request in! Let’s face it- we DO want it all! I’m happy with my lil Fuji though. Happy New Year to you!

… and what is that old saying, the best camera is the one you have with you. Or something like that. Though certainly it doesn’t hurt to have all the doodads too. 🙂 Nor does it hurt to master the camera you have, to shoot with it like a master playing a musical instrument and you sure do that John! I love your work, even if I don’t’ get around to commenting much these days. I still see and enjoy your posts! And learn from them too!

Well said. I guess to some the better the camera the better the photos. But if you haven’t mastered your current gear how do you expect get better with new gear. I’m quite happy with my xt-1 and still have a lot of learning to do with the gear I have.

Amen JB! Happy New Year! All the best to all fit the New Year 2016! Your low tide reflective image is awesome – both in color and b&w!

Great post and response. Love the Fuji system! Great addition to tool box! Look forward to the 100-400!

Gotta love and enjoy what you have. Gotta continue to perfect your visions, awareness and ability to apply the same within the gear you choose to have or purchase. Becoming one with your gear, knowing its limits or application and creating your tool boxes for the day or task or trip are all important. What you have at the moment it clicks will be what you have.

In playing golf, I’ve heard, “Great shot, what club did you use?” … I purchased one of my favorite putters while golfing… The person that was playing with us had missed nearly all of his puts… He was about to break it over his knee… I asked if I could purchase it… I one put the next holes we played. He wanted it back. I allowed him the chance and let him shoot his next put… He missed again and gave it back… He commented, “It wasn’t the putter.”

It is not all about the gear, it’s a factor, how you use what you have, what your needs are and combine with your talents, knowledge, vision and application of all within the moment. The results are infinite. Taking pictures that make you happy and dance… As in dance lessons, eventually you forget the concentration of the steps and you learn to feel and respond to the music and who you are with!

I have been reading and enjoying the responses to your question. I bought new cameras only because one was not working well and the other was to add the Fuji XT-1 due to its size and weight. Both cameras (the other is the Canon 6D) have the features I wanted and I am very satisfied with both. I have been working with both of them to master their unique functions but more importantly, to improve my vision and photography. I think the money is better spent on a workshop where you have an opportunity to see things differently and hopefully, find your own vision. I have been on enough of your workshops now to say I come back from each and every one of them with new excitement and vision for the art. “See the Light” on Molokai, Hawaii truly topped them all!! I also have become a believer in using some of the wonderful software to make those images sing even more! Your mages above bring back memories of an awesome workshop on Cape Cod!